Environmental media: accessing virtual representations of real-time sensor data and site-specific annotations embedded in physical environments

The goal of this research is to explore potential applications of location-based information and communication services over wireless networks with the intention of enabling a mobile user to browse a spatially correspondent multimedia information database about a specific location as it changes over time, to post location-specific information, or to access interpretive annotations posted by domain experts. This paper describes the design and prototyping of an "environmental media" system for linking virtual environments to the physical world, current research to develop comprehensive 3D representations of specific locations derived from both mobile and static real-time wireless sensing devices, and methods for capture, organization, and visualization of real-time, site-specific environmental information for users who are both remote and local to the site. The overall aim is to develop Environmental Media capabilities to facilitate and enhance visualization of natural processes, cycles, and systems by displaying pertinent contextual information that is digitally connected to actual locations in the physical world.